Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

A Midsummer Night's Dream begins in Athens at the palace of Theseus. Theseus enters with Hippolyta, Philostrate and their attendants. Theseus and Hippolyta are to be married in four days, and they eagerly await their wedding. Theseus sends Philostrate into the city to encourage the young citizens to celebrate the happy event. Although Theseus won Hippolyta in war, he intends to wed her with revelry and joy.

Egeus enters with Hermia, Lysander and Demetrius. Egeus wishes his daughter, Hermia, to marry Demetrius, but she has refused and insists that she loves Lysander. Egeus blames the situation on Lysander, who has stolen Hermia's affections. Exasperated, Egeus has brought his complaint to Theseus and hopes that he will settle the matter by forcing Hermia to either marry Demetrius or be executed according to Athenian Law.

Theseus confirms that if Hermia does not agree...